We have a handful of good bars with live music downtown, as well as various other lounges, pubs with karaoke and billiards, and some freaky grassroots productions. The Port Theatre always has live shows. There're a lot of cultural events and festivals outdoors, too, especially around the waterfront.

Yearly Events in Nanaimo

• Nanaimo's Bridal Exhibition - February
• Maple Sugar Festival - February
• Vancouver Island Short Film Festival - February
• Nanaimo Global Film Festival - February
• Symphony of Roses - March
• Upper Island Musical Festival - March/April
• Nanaimo Beer Festival - April
• Vancouver Island International Children's Festival - May
• "Empire Days" Celebration - May
• Floating Boat & Marine Trade Show - May/June
• Nanaimo Festival of Banners - May to Oct.
• NALT's Sea to Summit Celebration - June
• Nanaimo Bathtub Races & Marine Festival - July
• Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival - July
• Nanaimo Blues Festival ("Summetime Blues") - August
• Vancouver Island Exhibition - August
• Bite of Nanaimo - September
• Nanaimo Home Expo - spring and fall
• Annual Nanaimo Pumpkin Festival - October
• Fringe Flicks - Oct. to April
• Festival of Trees - November

Are you painfully aware of something missing from this list? Please let us know.

Events & Entertainment Directories

• Tourism Nanaimo's Events Listings
• HarbourLiving.ca - The most comprehensive directory of events listings.